The last party I attended

10 days ago

I'm not a social type; in fact, I don't go to parties. It always feels so stressful for me, but sometimes I have no choice but to attend some – that's if it's compulsory and I can't escape it. I've only attended one party since this year began, even though I should have attended like three; I decided not to go. I was advised to go out more to gain exposure, but corners of my room are so comfortable for me, and I will have to think about going out more.

Image is mine

The last party I attended was in January this year, and that was my grandfather's burial. He passed on last September, and since then we've begun preparation for his burial because he was aged. He was 103 years old when he died and also an important figure in our village, which makes his burial a unique one that needs proper planning. His death met us all as a shock because we weren't expecting him to die at that time. To us, we were still saying, It's too early for him to die; he should have stayed with us more, because until his last day, he was still agile and healthy. My father and his siblings went to see him on Saturday, and he died the following week, early Wednesday morning. When we got the news from his caretaker, it was a big shock to everyone because, according to my father, he was so much healthier when he saw him the weekend before.

Image is mine

After his demise, the village head and other chiefs began to explain to our family what needed to be put in place. I was fully involved as a grand-daughter because I was closer to him. I lived with my grandparents when I was younger, so I knew my way around our village more. We began preparations of clothes to wear, headtie for women and cap for men, the venue for reception, caterers, undertakers and how the church program will be held. A family meeting was held, and a date was fixed. We held the final burial on the 16th and 17th of January, and it was a success. It was the talk of the town.

Four cows were killed, four bags of rice were cooked with fish, and chicken. Amala on the spot was prepared, as well as pounded yam with pepper soup and other desserts. The day was glamorous; our clothes came out so well in uniform. Even though I was so stressed that day. We had a musician play, and we danced to our limit, and most importantly, I was sprayed. I made quite a lot of money that day, and that puts a smile on my face. To crown it all, the deputy governor of Kwara State was present with the former judge of Kwara State.

MY THOUGHTS

My grandfather gave birth to seven children; we lost the first child in the year 2016, the remaining six of them. They were all trained and well educated; there is a lawyer (SAN), a pharmacist, a nurse, businessmen, and an educator. With two of them in the diaspora. It is good to train up one's children in the way of the Lord and also to uphold true morals and values. They are all successful. His burial was a great one in my village, and the whole event was covered live. There was a live stream that day where those that couldn't come for the event were watching online. My thought on this party is that parents should train up their children in the right way. So that during their last day, there would be responsible children to give them a befitting burial and appreciate them for their labour over their lives when they are alive and when they are gone. My grandfather raised godly children, and it was visible to everyone during his burial.